allplants | Is Naan Bread Vegan? (2024)

Whether you’re making your own from scratch, getting your favourite takeaway or simply stocking up in the supermarket, naan is a firm favourite accompaniment to many South and West Asian cuisines. But is it vegan?

Naan bread

In South Asian cuisines, naan generally refers to a thick flatbread that’s leavened with yeast or bread starter and is traditionally cooked on the wall of a tandoor; a clay oven that reaches almost 500°C where the heat and gravity help form it’s distinctive air bubbles. Sometimes baking powder is used as a yeast substitute and milk or yoghurt can be added for a slightly creamier taste.

They’re usually brushed with water before cooking to help them crisp up, but butter or ghee can be used too.

allplants | Is Naan Bread Vegan? (1)

Photo credits: Nora Cooks

Is naan bread vegan?

Unfortunately, the majority of naan isn’t suitable for vegans as they often contain ghee (clarified butter), yoghurt, milk or even eggs. However, it’s not impossible to find vegan-friendly naan in supermarkets, it’s just worth double-checking ingredients lists.

We love this garlic and coriander naan from Sainsbury’s and these from Tesco; both of which are suitable for vegans.

Fancy making your own plant-based naan? Here’s a great vegan recipe from Nora Cooks.

Send more vegan questions our way in the comments selection below.

allplants | Is Naan Bread Vegan? (2024)

FAQs

Is naan vegan or vegetarian? ›

Unfortunately, the majority of naan isn't suitable for vegans as they often contain ghee (clarified butter), yoghurt, milk or even eggs. However, it's not impossible to find vegan-friendly naan in supermarkets, it's just worth double-checking ingredients lists.

Does naan bread contain dairy? ›

Unfortunately, most naan you'll get at Indian restaurants is not vegan, as the dough often contains yogurt (or milk) and it's brushed with melted butter. While there are a handful of store-bought vegan naan options, they are pretty lackluster and taste more like store-bought pita bread.

Which Indian bread is vegan? ›

For bread, roti, puri, paratha, poppadom/papadum (a thin, crisp, disc-shaped cracker-like food), and chapatti are all traditionally vegan (although some restaurants do brush their chapatti with butter, so make sure to clarify you want it without). Poppadom is often served with a variety of chutneys and sauces.

Can you buy vegan naan? ›

Gluten free. Suitable for Vegans. Free From: Eggs, Milk.

Does naan contain eggs? ›

Typically, making naan involves mixing water and yeast and adding in other ingredients such as eggs, salt, flour, and yogurt to make a soft dough. Naan is a common accompaniment to North Indian food, such as Chicken Vindaloo or Lamb Rhogan Josh. But can also work as a meal on its own.

What bread is not vegan? ›

Brioche (This bread is never vegan as it boasts a hefty egg and butter content that gives brioche its signature texture.) Egg Bagels (Additionally, some bagel shops brush their bagels with egg whites.) Focaccia (Some varieties come topped with butter or eggs.) Matzo (Some varieties contain egg or dairy.

Does all naan have yogurt? ›

Naan has a thicker, fluffier texture because it is made with yogurt. Pita is thinner bread made with less ingredients (flour, water, salt, etc) and no yogurt. Naan is cooked in a skillet while Pita is usually baked at very high temperatures in the oven.

Is pita vegan? ›

Yes, pita bread is suitable for vegans. Its two main ingredients are flour and yeast, both of which are plant-based. Usually, salt is added for flavour, but it is very unlikely that any animal products or byproducts will be used. However, it is always worth checking ingredients labels to make sure.

Is hummus vegan friendly? ›

Hummus is a vegan staple that allows you to have some versatility in your diet. It's an immensely popular food amongst vegans so you may have found a new favourite yourself. It's available in a wide range of flavours and is very versatile in the kitchen so you can experiment with it if you wish to.

Is ghee vegan? ›

For the reasons listed above, no, commercial ghee is not dairy-free and is definitely not vegan. However, there are vegan options in stores, just as vegan butter, vegan cheese, and vegan yogurt are available!

Why is naan bread not vegan? ›

Naan bread is made with an enriched dough, meaning that it often contains dairy; usually in the form of yogurt and ghee or butter. This is what helps to make it so soft and full of flavour.

Are Trader Joe's naan crackers vegan? ›

This product contains 5 ingredients that are not vegan and 7 ingredients that may not be vegan. Which diet do you follow? Follow more than one?

Is Stonefire mini naan bread vegan? ›

Stonefire® Organic naan is a Vegan and Dairy-free recipe and is Non-GMO and Organic certified. They are hand-stretched and baked in our patented tandoor tunnel oven to create an amazing texture and taste you notice on your first bite.

Is naan roti vegetarian? ›

To traditionally cook these flatbreads, naan rests in a large cylindrical oven, while roti cooks over a grill. Additionally, roti can be considered a vegan flatbread, while naan's inclusion of dairy only makes it vegetarian. Finally, many typically fill their naan with ingredients, while roti is served by itself.

What is naan made of? ›

My favorite homemade naan recipe is made with basic bread ingredients (flour, water and yeast) plus a generous dollop of yogurt, egg and baking powder to make the bread extra soft and chewy. I also prefer to use touch of honey as a natural sweetener for the bread.

What breads are not vegetarian? ›

Breads such as naan bread (made using yoghurt), brioche (made with milk and eggs) and some bagels and crumpets (which are sometimes made using milk or eggs) are usually unsuitable for vegans.

Can vegetarians eat any bread? ›

Generally speaking, yes—most white sandwich breads don't contain animal products. But highly processed white sandwich breads like Wonder Classic White Bread and Sara Lee Classic White often contain dough conditioners and emulsifiers as well as dairy and eggs. Check the label to ensure your bread is vegan.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 6403

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.